Circuit culturel de Paray-le-Monial
From the Tourist Office (1), discover the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, an architectural masterpiece of Romanesque art (2).
To the right of the Basilica is the cloister (3). Dating from the 17th-18th century, it was home to the Cluniac monks until the Revolution. In the center, the garden of medieval inspiration offers a space full of serenity. Joël Barguil's work transforms the side courtyard into an amphitheater of vertical lines of shadows and flashes of light.
Then, go along the Bourbince river on the avenue Jean Paul II before entering the Saint Hugues garden to admire the Rempart Tower dating from the 10th-15th century (4). Partly preserved, it reinforced a weak point of the fortified city wall, near the river.
Go to the right, then take the rue de la Visitation in the direction of the Musée du Hiéron (5). Museum of fine arts of the city, discover the National Treasure of Joseph Chaumet, jeweler of the whole Paris, a precious piece of goldsmithery of three meters on three representing the scenes of the life of Christ. But also, the Romanesque portal of Anzy-le-Duc, Italian paintings of the 17th and 18th centuries, a collection of modern and contemporary art.
Cross the road to the chapel La Colombière (6). Of Byzantine inspiration, it is enriched inside with mosaics and stained glass windows by the Mauméjean brothers. It was built for the beatification of Claude La Colombière, spiritual director of Saint Marguerite-Marie.
Go back in the direction of the museum of Hiéron and take the rue de la Paix. At the end of the street, you will arrive at the Tour Saint-Nicolas (7).
Formerly a parish church, it was reduced to its present size in the 19th century with the removal of the apse and the side chapels. In order to avoid its destruction, it is the installation of the clock that declares it of public utility. It knew several functions as a prison, guardroom or common house. Today it houses exhibitions.
In front of the Saint-Nicolas Tower, admire the façade of the Town Hall (8). A former private mansion of a rich merchant, Pierre Jayet, he had a Renaissance style facade built between 1525 and 1528 on top of older structures. You can discover his portrait as well as that of his wife on sculpted medallions.
Turn right and take the rue du 11 novembre to the church Notre-Dame (9). This place was used as a stone quarry during the construction of the basilica.
Go back towards the Tour Saint-Nicolas then take the rue Victor Hugo before crossing the Bourbince, rue des 2 ponts. On all its length as well as the avenue Charles de Gaulle, mosaic slabs are included in the sidewalk (10).
Take the second street on the right, avenue Charles de Gaulle.
Admire the Sauvageot theater (11) built thanks to the donation of Miss Sauvageot whose bust is sculpted above the door. The different ornaments of the façade remind the Burgundian Renaissance style.
Continue along the avenue Charles de Gaulle to the Canal du Centre. 112 km long and with 61 locks, it links the Loire to the Saône. Formerly used to transport goods, it is now mainly used by boaters.
Turn right on Quai de l'Industrie to the Maison de la Mosaïque Contemporaine (12). It explains the origins of mosaic, presents the tools, materials and techniques used. Walk also in the mosaic garden.
Go back towards the bridge and turn at the first street on the right (rue Paul Charnoz). The Paul Charnoz Museum of Art and Industry (13) retraces the different stages of the life of this ceramic factory.
Opposite the Paul Charnoz museum, discover the Saint-Roch chapel built in 1835 (14) then continue along the rue de Bellevue to the Bellevue school and the Sainte-Marguerite-Marie church (15) whose floor is made of inlaid tiles.
Go back to the Canal du Centre, cross it and then take Avenue Charles de Gaulle. Cross the Bourbince and turn right. Starting point is the Tourist Office (16).
